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8 October 2018

Renishaw reduces dental framework build preparation time by up to 75 per cent

Renishaw offers QuantAM Dental software which automates additive manufacturing (AM) build preparation for hundreds of dental frameworks in a single operation. The software, which was launched in March 2017, can cut preparation time from two hours or more with existing build preparation software to around 30 minutes. The 75 per cent reduction allows dental production facilities to produce patient-specific frameworks with a reduced workload for staff, enabling cost reductions.

Dental production facilities typically receive hundreds of custom design files daily from multiple customers. Previously, the industry lacked a single suite of software that could handle all the operations required to prepare files for production. Instead, manufacturers were forced to use multiple software applications to prepare for a build.

“Being able to start builds later in the working day allows more time for designs to be received from customers, leading to a fuller build plate and better production efficiency, whilst still allowing the build to complete before the next working day.”

QuantAM Dental automatically imports hundreds of dental frameworks, repairs the stereolithography (.stl) files if necessary and automates the orientation so that framework cavities face upwards, avoiding supports on the fitting surfaces. It also automatically adds an identification tag to each framework to allow reconciliation to designs and finally, generates supports.

The software then groups framework types according to manufacturing requirements. For example, frameworks that require heat treatment, such as bridges, are grouped separately from those that do not. Frameworks not requiring heat treatment can quickly and easily be identified before that step in the process is completed.

Finally, QuantAM Dental reviews the files and gives a list of potential errors for any sub-optimal frameworks. The systems operator can then slice the build files ready to transfer them to the AM system.